Journal Paper | Umudike Journal of Engineering Technology

COMPACTION (STANDARD PROCTOR) BEHAVIOR OF UNSATURATED SOIL TREATED WITH SISAL FIBRE, METAKAOLIN AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT FOR CEMENT

Ajike, V. O.

Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Onyelowe, K. C.

Department of Civil Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The study investigates the compaction behaviour of unsaturated soil reinforced with sisal fibre and stabilized with metakaolin as partial replacement of Portland cement. The natural soil physical characterization showed that it was classed as A-7-5 in AASHTO classification system and CH in Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). It also shows that the MDD and OMC of the Unsaturated soil is 1.5564g/cm3 and 24.65% respectively which signified low MDD with high OMC. The maximum dry density decreases with increase in sisal fibre and 5% metakaolin as partial replacement of cement results in increase in the maximum dry density (MDD). On the other hand, the optimum moisture content (OMC) is increasing with increase in sisal fibre and presence of metakaolin at 5% replacement is also reducing OMC at various sisal fibre replacement. The results suggest that the unsaturated soil should be strengthened and stabilized by sisal fiber and metakaolin as partial replacement for enhancing the durability. The optimal percentage content of sisal fibre is within 1.5-3.0% SF content at length of 30mm with equivalent MK partial substitution to cement is advised for optimum reinforced-stabilization performance

Keywords: Unsaturated Soil, Sisal Fibre, Metakaolin, MDD and OMC.

https://doi.org/10.33922/j.ujet_v12i3_2

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Published

Friday, August 21, 2026

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Vol. 12, No. 3 Sept 2026

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